Courses

Courses

Spring 2009

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Classical Studies

102. Introduction to Ancient Greek Culture
Michael Nerdahl M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25
Introduces students to the study of the literature and culture of ancient Greece. Examines different Greek responses to issues such as religion and the role of gods in human existence, heroism, the natural world, the individual and society, and competition. Considers forms of Greek rationalism, the flourishing of various literary and artistic media, Greek experimentation with different political systems, and concepts of Hellenism and barbarism. Investigates not only what we do and do not know about ancient Greece, but also the types of evidence and methodologies with which we construct this knowledge. Evidence is drawn primarily from the works of authors such as Homer, Sappho, Herodotus, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Thucydides, Aristophanes, Plato, and Hippocrates, but attention is also given to documentary and artistic sources. All readings are done in translation.

212. Ancient Rome
Robert Sobak M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55
Surveys the history of Rome from its beginnings to the fourth century A.D. Considers the political, economic, religious, social, and cultural developments of the Romans in the context of Rome’s growth from a small settlement in central Italy to the dominant power in the Mediterranean world. Special attention is given to such topics as urbanism, imperialism, the influence of Greek culture and law, and multi-culturalism. Introduces different types of sources—literary, epigraphical, archaeological, etc.—for use as historical documents.

Archaeology

208. The Archaeology of Troy
Ryan Ricciardi T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55
The city of Troy acts as the backdrop for the three greatest epics of the ancient world, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, and Virgil’s Aeneid. Examines the physical remains of Troy and investigates the problems associated with the archaeology of Aegean prehistory using literary, historical, and archaeological evidence. Also looks at the role that Troy and the Trojan legends played during the height of Greek and Roman power and the continuing legacy of Troy in the modern world.

310. Urban Development, Suburban Space: The Archaeology of the Campus Martius
Ryan Ricciardi T 1:00 - 3:55
The city of Rome contains iconic monuments, testaments to the power of the state and its individual rulers. Within the capital city, the two square kilometers of the Campus Martius contain of some of the most innovative contributions to the history of urban planning and Roman architecture. Focuses on the development of the region from its pre-Roman days as a low-lying flood plain of the Tiber river to its designation as the Jewish ghetto in the Renaissance period. Examines what it means to be urban or suburban in the Roman world by considering the liminal role of the Campus Martius in the definition of Rome as a city.

Greek

102. Elementary Greek II
Jennifer B. Kosak M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25
A continuation of Greek 101; introduces students to more complex grammar and syntax, while emphasizing the development of reading proficiency. Includes readings, both adapted and in the original, of Greek authors such as Plato and Euripides. Focuses on Attic dialect.

204. Homer
Jennifer B. Kosak M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25
An introduction to the poetry of Homer. Focuses both on reading and on interpreting Homeric epic.

Latin

102. Elementary Latin II
Robert Sobak M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25
A continuation of Latin 101. During this term, readings are based on unaltered passages of classical Latin.

204. Studies in Latin Literature
Ryan Ricciardi M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
An introduction to different genres and themes in Latin literature. The subject matter and authors covered may change from year to year (e.g., selections from Virgil’s Aeneid and Livy’s History, or from Lucretius, Ovid, and Cicero), but attention is always given to the historical and literary context of the authors read. While the primary focus is on reading Latin texts, some readings from Latin literature in translation are also assigned. Equivalent of Latin 203 or three to four years of high school Latin is required.

312. Roman Tragedy
Michael Nerdahl M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
An introduction to the plays of Seneca the Younger, philosopher and advisor to the Emperor Nero (A.D. 54–68). One or two plays will be read in Latin and will be supplemented by the reading of other tragedies, including Seneca’s Greek models, in English. This research seminar also looks at the historical context of the plays, issues concerning their performance, the social and political culture of Neronian Rome, and the influence of Seneca’s Stoic philosophy on his plays.